Pennsylvania recently extended the postpartum coverage period for mothers and birthing people eligible for Medicaid because of their pregnancy.
Effective now, under the American Rescue Plan Act, Pennsylvania has extended the Medicaid postpartum coverage period to one year following the birth of a baby. Previously, Medicaid, or Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania, provided coverage for people eligible due to their pregnancy up to 60 days after giving birth.
“We all deserve the security of knowing that we have healthcare coverage so that we can go to our doctor or other healthcare provider for routine visits and screenings. This is especially true for parents and their babies both during pregnancy and in those crucial, delicate early weeks and months,” said Department of Human Services Acting Secretary Meg Snead. “This Medicaid extension is a lifesaving investment in postpartum care. It will allow thousands of birthing parents to continue to access physical and behavioral healthcare necessary to keep themselves healthy and their families on a path to good health and wellbeing.”
Medicaid covers 4 in 10 births nationally and about 3 in 10 in Pennsylvania. Medicaid was the primary payer in Pennsylvania in about 53 percent of pregnancy-associated deaths and nearly 60 percent of all pregnancy-associated deaths came between six weeks and one year after giving birth, largely outside of the previous 60-day limitation on coverage.
“As an OB/GYN physician, maternal and child health are very close to my heart,” said Pennsylvania’s Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson. “Pennsylvania, like the rest of the country, can do a better job protecting and improving the health of mothers, and thus their families and their whole communities. By extending Medicaid coverage, we are eliminating a barrier for those accessing care.”
Click here for more information.
